Michigan

John Gonzalez visits with Michelle Elliott, race director for the Leapin' Leprechaun 5k Race in Traverse City, and Scott Stenstrom of Fifth Third Bank, the race sponsor. Proceeds benefit the National Cherry Festival and The Father Fred Foundation.
(MLive.com)

I originally was going to only do the St. Patrick's Day Races on March 16 in Bay City, but when my friends from the National Cherry Festival -- who are teaming up with Fifth Third Bank -- paid me a visit to twist my arm, how could I say no?

They told me about a couple great costume contests, including one for dogs, and a fun Guinness post race party (9 a.m.-noon). The event includes an open to the public beer tent, as well as live music.

Plus, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the very worthy cause of The Father Fred Foundation, which helps feed the hungry in the Northern Michigan community.

That means I'll be running two races this weekend:

• The Leapin' Leprechaun at 9 a.m. March 15 in TC,

• And then St. Patrick's Day Races at 11:30 a.m. March 16 in Bay City, presented by the Bay Area Runner's Club.

Fifth Third Bank Leapin' Leprechaun 5k 2014Michelle Elliott, the race director at the Leapin' Leprechaun, and Scott Stenstrom of Fifth Third Bank, try to talk John Gonzalez into running the race March 15, 2014 in Traverse City. More details at cherryfestival.org.

The Leapin' Leprechaun race is expecting about 1,000 runners. I'll be recovering from eating doughnuts at 5 bakeries in Kalamazoo and Muskegon on the day before.

And the 41st annual St. Patrick's Day Races is expecting about 4,200 runners, said race director Ann Meagher. I'll be arriving right after eating doughnuts at Cops and Doughnuts in Clare.